Information display arrangements

• US 4,075,700 A
• Filed: 07/06/1976
• Issued: 02/21/1978
• Est. Priority Date: 07/04/1975
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Thorn EMI Patents Limited
• Original Assignee: EMI Ltd (Universal Music Group NV)
• Inventors: Blay, Alan George
• Primary Examiner(s): Wise, Edward J.
• Application Number:
  US05/703,004
• Time in Patent Office: 595 Days
• Field of Search: 235/151.3, 250/362, 250/363 R, 250/336, 250/369, 250/455 T, 178/DIG. 5, 178/DIG. 22, 340/324 A, 340/324 AD
• US Class Current: 382/131
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/032 Transmission computed tomography [CT]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/4085 Cone-beams
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/4447 Tiltable gantries
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/033 Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user , e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor digitisers characterised by the transducing means G06F3/041
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 378/901 Computer tomography program or processor

Abstract

The data derived from a computerized axial tomographic apparatus in respect of a number of slices through a body are processed to produce a representation of the variation of absorption of X-rays over each slice. The representations are operated upon individually to identify areas which are of reduced interest and/or which are obscuring regions of especial interest. This having been done, the representations for all the slices are correlated to produce a pseudo three-dimensional display of part of the body with the identified areas being displayed with reduced or zero intensity as compared with other areas. Alternatively, the identified and other areas can be represented in different colors.

Claims

1. An information display arrangement including a store for information signals indicative of variation of a parameter of a body over each of a plurality of substantially two-dimensional regions in the body, adjacent regions overlying one another to at least a substantial extent, means for displaying individually the information signals relating to at least some of said regions, means for selecting features of interest contained in the displayed information, and means for combining the information so displayed to provide a pseudo three-dimensional display of part of said body with the selected features shown in relief.

2. An arrangement according to claim 1 wherein said means for selecting comprises means for delineating features other than said features of interest and for feeding to the store label signals for association with the parameter values stored for said other features.

3. An arrangement according to claim 2 wherein said means for combining comprises perspective display computer means adapted to respond to said label signals to effect said relief.

4. An arrangement according to claim 2 wherein said delineating means comprises a light pen and associated circuits.

5. A method of displaying information comprising the steps of:

storing information signals indicative of variation of a parameter of a body over each of a plurality of substantially two-dimensional regions in the body, adjacent regions overlying one another to at least a substantial extent;

displaying individually the information signals relating to at least some of said regions;

selecting features of interest contained in the displayed information relating to said at least some regions; and

combining the information so displayed to provide a pseudo three-dimensional display of part of said body with the delineated features shown in relief.